mascara

Softball Star Jennie Finch on Beauty, Brawns and Being a Busy Mom

Written on September 18, 2012 at 5:40 pm , by Molly Ritterbeck

Jennie Finch is one of the most recognizable faces of women’s softball. Formerly a Team USA and Chicago Bandits’ pitcher, Finch retired from the sport in 2010 to focus on her family in Louisiana. With two kids and a third on the way, time-saving beauty products are key. We chatted up the busy mom on looking good and staying fit.

What are some your must-have beauty products?

“I love Phiten hair products (yuko-usa.com)—their shampoo, conditioner and leave-in conditioner. I also like Natural Advantage Skincare All Day Moisturizer (naturaladvantage.com)—it’s not too heavy and yet I feel hydrated, and it has SPF 15 which is so important. For makeup, I use MAC foundation (maccosmetics.com) if I’m going out, but I try to stay away from wearing makeup if I don’t have to. I love MAC mascara (maccosmetics.com); I can’t get enough on my lashes. If I’m not wearing much makeup, I’ll add a little bronzer to give me that sun-kissed look. I like Estée Lauder bronzer (esteelauder.com). I try to get away with lip balm unless I’m going to an event. I also love anything from Kiehl’s (kiehls.com).”

How do you stay active?

“I met this awesome running group when I started training for the New York City Marathon last year. We were new to the area and I was able to meet incredible women and friends and workout with them so that was a huge blessing. We mix it up by doing Cross Fit and running. I’ll do squats, lunges, and Pilates, too. I get bored so I like to switch it up. With kids, it’s not like you can get a full hour in everyday so I try to fit it in wherever I can like taking the boys for a walk, jumping on the trampoline, a quick game of soccer, whatever gets your heart rate going. I’ll try to take the stairs, park a little further and pick up my pace when walking; just as long as I’m getting my heart rate up. For me, exercise is a stress reliever so I just feel so much better if I just get out for a walk and get outside. I try to get the most of that in as I can. Pregnancy is getting a little uncomfortable now but I try to run as long into the pregnancy as I can. As my pregnancy goes further along, it’s a lot of biking and doing the elliptical so I don’t have a lot of bouncing.”

You are a busy mom of 2 boys. What’s your get-ready routine like?

“When you have kids, it’s all about being adaptable and quick. It’s kind of like getting ready whenever I can. If they go down for a nap and I know I need to get ready for a certain thing, I do it then when they’re sleeping. Sometimes, I’ll let my youngest play with my makeup bag to keep him entertained, or put him in the bathtub which frees me up to get ready because he likes playing in the water. We live in Louisiana in the country so I don’t get ready very often. I’m super casual unless I have to be at a function. When I’m home, I’m home and it’s just me and my boys and animals and country living.”

Do you change your beauty routine when you are pregnant? 

“I feel like with my last pregnancy, I wore a lot of makeup because I was trying to feel pretty at certain times so sometimes I wore a little extra makeup usually on my eyes. But not much has changed. Moisturizer is so important and I have all sorts of cocoa butter and lotions that I use. It’s all about comfort when you get down to it. The most beautiful thing about pregnancy is that it’s not about you so whatever makes you comfortable and makes it easy on you and what helps you enjoy it is that most important thing.”

How do you like to pamper yourself?

“For me, I travel a bunch so when I’m home I hate to take the time away from my kids but if I do get pampered, a manicure and pedicure is at the top of the list. I grew up in Southern California and the difference from that and Louisiana, it’s just a whole different lifestyle and pace and I’ve come to enjoy it and just enjoy that quieter life. Even just a couple minutes with my coffee in the morning just those 10 minutes or whatever time you have to yourself is important and enjoyable.”

As November approaches, many New Yorkers are getting ready for the New York City Marathon. You ran it last year just 4 months after giving birth! Do you have any advice for runners this year?

“I think just enjoy it. I got teary eyed probably 15 times throughout the race. It’s the most amazing thing to be a part of and I never compare anything to the Olympics but it’s comparable just to be a part of something so much bigger than yourself. To run through the 5 boroughs and to soak up the whole city with people from around the world is so magical. A lot of people are going for times and pressure but first and foremost just enjoy it. There’s a lot of things you can’t control with your body that happen so just roll with it because you’ve put so much time into accomplishing that goal. I was so touched by so many people running for different causes, all different shapes and sizes and ages and diversity and a lot of incredible athletes. I was so inspired. It’s hard to even explain. After running it, I understand why people get so addicted to it because it’s so special.”

Score Pro Volleyball Player Christal Engle’s Beachy Beauty

Written on June 27, 2012 at 11:53 am , by April Franzino

As much as we love a fun, outdoor workout, we hate how it turns us into hot, sweaty messes. One thing we’re always in awe of: how top-notch athletes manage to look so good! To find out their secrets, we chatted up Christal Engle, the 26-year-old pro-volleyball playerwho has her eyes set on the Olympics in 2016. Engle dished about the beauty products she digs, and how you can score an effortless look pre- and post-workout. You won’t want to pass on this advice before your next friendly competition on the beach!

FITNESS: In your sport, you’re exposed to a lot of sun! How do you protect your skin?
CE: “Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! I carry it wherever I go and apply everywhere, especially on the face, chest and shoulders. That’s what gets the most sun when you’re playing beach volleyball. I use SPF 75 on my face and reapply four or five times per day. I’m only 26 and I already see sun effects. And I wear sunscreen all the time!”

FITNESS: Do you have a favorite brand?
CE: “I use COOLA organic sunscreen. It’s a new company, but they have things for your face and body; they have mist sprays, everything. People don’t realize when they’re in the sun how much it affects them. Even with 75 SPF or whatever, the rays still come through. I’m fairly tan but I wear sunscreen all the time.”

FITNESS: What about makeup? Do you wear it while playing?
CE: “Yes, but not a lot — I’ll just put on waterproof mascara. I’m not one of those super girly-girls who has to cake it on, but you want to perform beautifully. That’s Oakley’s motto [editor’s note: Engle is sponsored by Oakley], and I like to stay pretty and work hard.”

FITNESS: Do you do anything to protect your hair?
CE: “Not really, because I like the natural highlights that I get from the sun. I just had my hair done and I asked them if I should be doing anything specific, and they said just to use sunscreen and get trims every couple of months. But I have to be careful of salt water! If you go into the ocean after a game, you definitely want to get a good shampoo that cleans it really well. I know Neutrogena Clean Replenishing is a good one.”

FITNESS: And I’m sure being out in the sun and sand all day must make you feel dry…
CE: “It does! And I find sand everywhere. It’s ridiculous. I have to moisturize a lot and I make sure that has SPF in it, too.”

How do you make working out look so good? I’m a hot mess when I sweat!
CE: “I recommend using wipes afterward. When we’re working out and playing in the sand, our hands get dirty and we wipe our foreheads, making our faces grimy. Wipes clean that all up – Bioré Daily Cleansing Cloths are great, I also use Evian Facial Mist Spray—it’s amazing! I use it after matches on my face and reapply sunscreen.”

FITNESS: What about when you’re not on the courts? How do you go from game to glam?
CE: “I use two items: mascara and bronzer. Bronzer just brings life to your face – you could be super tired, but if you put that on, it brightens you up. I love L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze. For mascara, I use CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion because it doesn’t run when I sweat and it’s super easy to take off, making it perfect for beach volleyball. As for my hair, I love doing a high twisty bun after a game because it works whether it’s wet or dry, and it’s somewhat fashionable.”

Tell us: How do you bounce back after a sweaty workout?

—By Laura Cofsky, editorial intern

Miss USA Alyssa Campanella Talks Makeup Tricks, Her Favorite Workout & The Dish She Can’t Resist

Written on March 8, 2012 at 5:07 pm , by Fitness Magazine

Earlier this week, I was lucky enough to chat with down-to-earth, stunning Miss USA Alyssa Campanella, who spilled her secrets for looking great 24-7, her workout routine while on the road— even shared one of her specialty dishes! Read on to steal her tricks.

FITNESS: As Miss USA, you’re expected to always look gorgeous. What are your haircare, makeup and skincare routines like on a typical day?
Alyssa Campanella: Since I’m constantly in the spotlight, I have to always look polished. I wash my hair the night before so that it is nice and fresh for styling, but my makeup varies. I like to have a clean face, but if I have an appearance or event, I play around with colors or makeup styles. My skincare doesn’t really change. I use a pore-refining scrub, toner and a moisturizer daily. I also use a mask every two days to exfoliate. My legs tend to be on the dry side due to the changing weather in New York and being a California girl, so I slather on Australian Gold Moisture Lock, which smells great and keeps my legs hydrated while imparting a natural glow.

FITNESS: What’s the one beauty product that never leaves your bag? 
AC: Chapstick, since my lips dry quickly. I also carry mascara for touch-ups.

FITNESS: What are your secrets for looking great no matter where you are and what you’re doing? Or does it change depending on where you are?
AC: I like to be natural. I want people to appreciate their inner natural beauty, so I try to be as natural as possible. But when the event calls for glamour, I get dolled up.

FITNESS: How do you stay in shape when you’re on the go? What are your favorite workouts?
AC: I actually do a lot of core workouts without even realizing it. Even to pick myself up I do so with my core, and I attribute that to Pilates training. I’m not really a cardio fan; I’m more into muscle building. I do quick exercises when on the go. The trainer actually taught me this exercise called the frog, and it hurts but it definitely tones your legs. You basically squat like a frog and stand up, moving up and down. I thought it was easy, but by the sixth one I started crying “oh no, not 30!”

FITNESS: What are your gym bag beauty essentials? 
AC: To work out, I carry a ponytail holder, put my hair in a bun and slick it back. Afterward, I cleanse with a face wipe, then apply powder, eyeliner, mascara, lipgloss and whatever I have to wear for the day.

FITNESS: We hear that you love to cook and bake. What is your specialty dish? 
AC: One of my best dishes I actually made on New Year’s day for breakfast, which was banana bread. I wanted to stay awake until the New Year, so to stay awake I decided to bake. My father had bananas that were ripe so I woke them up by making banana bread french toast. It was such a hit! I made it for everyone and had a lime-infused berry apple salad on the side.  I credit my mom for the inspiration— she’s a great cook!

FITNESS: What’s your diet like? Are there certain foods or snacks that are your go-tos? 
AC: I actually don’t have a diet; if it’s present in front of me I eat it! I used to eat too much sugar, so I started adding fruits and veggies to my meal. I try to limit sugar and sweets, not to lose weight but to maintain it. Your body is a safe haven and you have to protect it. Bananas, I can eat them all day every day. I also drink this acai strawberry banana smoothie that’s full of antioxidants, which helps keep me full. It’s delicious on the go. The nutritionist also provides these fiber bar chocolate brownies that hold you over in between meals. My schedule is a bit crazy so I have to make sure there are snacks at the ready.

FITNESS: Red hair is famously the most difficult to care for. How do you keep yours looking so stunning? 
AC: I wash my hair with carrot-infused shampoo. My hair is fine and I’m naturally a blonde. I dye it every four to five weeks to keep up with the roots. I also use deep treatments. Before my title, my hair was always left natural, but as Miss USA it has to be kept nice and polished.

FITNESS: In terms of beauty indulgences, is there anything you splurge on? 
AC:  I enjoy a nice foot massage. I’m constantly running around and it works out your legs, but a nice foot massage always feels great! I actually don’t like when people touch my feet, but that’s the one time I will let them. I also like to have my nails done.

FITNESS: What’s the best tip you’ve picked up from the makeup, hair, and skincare experts you’ve worked with? 
AC: Since my hair is naturally thin and fine, it can be lifeless. At a photo shoot in California, the hairstylist taught me to add a little bit of mousse or foam when you’re trying to tease your hair— it gives it body and volume. We call it Texas pageant hair. It gives your hair life! A makeup tip: Line your eyes with a liquid liner first, but finish with a layer of black powder to keep it in place and polish the look.  Also, when using concealer, go for something that matches your skin or is one shade lighter. It really makes a difference when taking photos.

—By Wanda Rosa, beauty intern

The Makeup Must-Haves in My Gym Bag

Written on January 24, 2012 at 11:26 am , by Fitness Magazine

Going home after the gym to get ready for a night out isn’t always an option, but looking good after your sweat session doesn’t require a complete makeover! For those quick changes, I keep these essentials stashed in my gym bag.

Smashbox Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer blurs any imperfections and redness while lending a touch of glow. It’s lightweight, so I don’t look too “made up” after a workout.

NARS The Multiple in Orgasm smudged on eyes, cheeks and lips gives a flattering, flushed look. Monochromatic makeup (using the same shade on each feature) is a no-brainer: It looks chic, fresh and pulled-together in seconds.

I finish off my look with a few coats of  L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Naturale Mascara to make my gaze look wide-eyed and natural. These three little items take me from postworkout to a night out fast!

Tell us: What are your gym bag makeup essentials?

—By Leah Cayson, beauty intern

Staffer Beauty Snoop: Beauty Intern Jaclyn Smock

Written on September 8, 2011 at 11:03 am , by Fitness Magazine

This week’s Staffer Beauty Snoop is a bit of a twist, as the subject is me—Jaclyn Smock, the new beauty intern for fall 2011.  Read on for a peek at my primping rituals and must-haves!

Describe your beauty style in three words or less: Feminine, warm and fresh.
What are the three beauty products you can’t live without? Physician’s Formula Mineral Correcting Powder, blush (right now I’m using Salma Hayek Nuance Blush in Apricot) and Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Perfume.
What’s your beauty routine in the morning? I wash my face with Glo Therapeutics Clear Anti-Blemish Cleanser, then I moisturize with Clean & Clear Finishes Mattifying Moisturizer. Next, I spritz on Skindinavia 10 Years Younger Makeup Finish, which helps set my makeup and control my oil and shine. After I do what I call my “pre-face,” I put on Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 and set it with Physicians Formula Mineral Correcting Powder. My skin is very oily so I find that tinted moisturizer works best for my complexion. After my skin tone is evened out, I apply blush, then I add a little e.l.f. Mineral Black Eye Liner on my bottom lids and finish with Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara. Once I’m done with my face, I move onto hair: I work some John Frieda Take Charge Curl Boosting Mousse through my curls, finish with a little bit of TRESemmé Climate Control Finishing Spray, and I’m out the door. This may sound like a lot but it only takes me 15 minutes!
At night? I remove the day’s makeup with Neutrogena Night Calming Cleansing Cloths, wash my face with my cleanser, and top with moisturizer. To finish off my nightly routine, I put Physicians Formula Dark Spot Corrector and Skin Brightener all over my face. The color weirded me out at first (it’s brown) but it really does work!
Post-workout? Once I’m done working out, I head home to shower and wash my face. When I get out, I moisturize and spray Glytone  Acne Back Spray on to ensure that I never get bacne!
What beauty product or treatment instantly makes you feel good? Facials—I love everything about them! I have done at-home versions before, but I still prefer a pro facial. I truly believe in monthly facials, if your budget permits. Facials quickly resolve most skin concerns and you leaving feeling so refreshed!
What’s the best beauty tip you’ve ever received (or thought of yourself)? Know the difference between day and night makeup. I believe in light eye makeup during the day then going dramatic at night to really look alluring.

—By Jaclyn Smock, beauty intern

Great Lash Gets Dressed Up!

Written on August 15, 2011 at 3:18 pm , by April Franzino

It’s been 40 years since Maybelline Great Lash Mascara was born, and the brand is celebrating with a Limited Edition Designer Collection of the iconic wands decked out in designs by fashion stars Tracy Reese, Max Azria and Vivienne Tam (above, from left). A few fun facts about the lash classic:

• The original pink and green tube was inspired by the color scheme of designer Lilly Pulitzer, who was just starting out when the mascara launched.
• Great Lash is the #1-selling mascara in America.
• One tube is sold every 1.7 seconds in the United States.

Pick up your collector’s edition exclusively through Target while supplies last!

Beat the Heat

Written on July 21, 2011 at 7:03 am , by Fitness Magazine

It’s the season of ice cream cones, long nights, pool parties—and scorching temperatures (it’s 100 in NYC today!) that throw a wrench in your standard beauty routine. No need to panic or flee for the indoors: These summer essentials will keep you feeling fresh and looking great.

• Yes To Cucumbers Facial Towelettes: These refreshing, cucumber-scented wipes are great for calming sensitive skin: One towelette gently removes any sweat and dirt on your face.

• Visine Summer Spectrum Relief Eyedrops: Say goodbye to itchy, dry eyes. This special summertime formula combines three different moisturizing ingredients to soothe eyes inflamed by the sun, salt, and wind. Put one drop in each eye after a swim or whenever your eyes feel irritated.

• Philosophy Supernatural Superglossy Lip Gloss SPF 15: This SPF 15-infused gloss is packed with antioxidants to keep your lips looking young and feeling hydrated, while shielding them from the sun’s drying rays.

• Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum: Formulated with hydrating argan oil, this serum helps hair stand up to humidity. When strands are dehydrated, they literally lift off your head in an effort to suck moisture from the air—hence, frizz. The oil infuses hair with the moisture it needs, so it won’t become fuzzy in its quest for more.

• Maybelline Lash Stiletto Waterproof Mascara: The perfect mix of length and shine without any dreaded clumps. My lashes feel light and weightless—especially nice in summer, and it’s waterproof, so it won’t sweat or swim off!

What’s in your summer beauty survival kit?

—By Kelly Garner, beauty intern

Favorite Find Friday: CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion Volume + Length Mascara

Written on May 20, 2011 at 1:24 pm , by April Franzino

On the quest for the perfect mascara, we purchased new ones for over a decade, but no one really got it right—until CoverGirl launched LashBlast Fusion Volume + Length Mascara. The chubby wand gives us the lashes of our dreams: Super-long (people always ask if we have extensions), thick (it really magnifies every lash), and somehow clump-free, too. The formula doesn’t make it look like we’re wearing mascara, but like we were born with the longest, lushest fringe ever. Every mascara we’ve tested since—literally hundreds for our job—never measures up, and we’re always left longing for LashBlast.  Have you found your perfect mascara?

Splurge or Steal?

Written on April 18, 2011 at 7:29 am , by Fitness Magazine

One of the perks of being the intern de jour is that you get to try out all the latest beauty loot. With full access to the overflowing beauty closet, I’ve found a number of must-have products that I swear by. Here, I’m dishing about which are worth the splurge and which of these bargain beauty products are just as good as their high-end counterparts.

STEAL: L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara

I have always lusted after thicker lashes and seem to be on a never-ending search for the best volumizing mascara. When I caught wind of a product that boasted “millionizing lashes”, I had to try it for myself. To my delight, L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara ($9) delivers exactly what is promised perfectly separated full lashes. This is a magic wand worth investing in!

SPLURGE: Givenchy Le Prisme Blush

Being a poor college student, I try to resist spending temptation, but when you love something this much it seems worth the splurge. Givenchy Le Prisme Blush ($44) is the perfect mix of colors to brighten up more than just my dull skin, but my whole day: When you look better, you feel better!

STEAL: John Frieda Root Awakening Hair Spray

After styling your hair, just a couple spritzes of John Frieda Root Awakening Non-Aerosol Hair Spray ($6.49) will keep it in place through the night. This lightweight, non-sticky spray is also enriched with vitamins that promote strong strands.

SPLURGE: Clinique Redness Solutions Targeted Corrector

This is my skin crisis go-to stick. I have tried tons of concealers, and nothing compares to this handy little wand. The yellow tint helps neutralize redness on blemishes and around your nose. Although it’s a tiny tube, a little of Clinique Redness Solutions Targeted Corrector ($19.50) goes a long way.

STEAL: Victoria’s Secret Minerals Lip Gloss in Bare

A swipe of gloss can work wonders, especially if you don’t have much time to spend on your makeup. One of my favorite finds in the beauty closet is Victoria’s Secret Minerals Lip Gloss in Bare ($10). It’s the perfect neutral hue to keep my look work-friendly yet pulled together.

—By Lindsay Richardson, beauty intern

Getaway Gorgeous

Written on February 15, 2011 at 6:41 am , by Fitness Magazine

I don’t know about you, but all of this snow has me daydreaming about my spring vacation—which is now only a month away! Beach fantasizing has quickly evolved into planning out my beauty essentials for the perfect beachy look: Think small, packable items that pack a big beauty punch. Read on for the products I’m lusting after for the big trip, and steal some ideas for your vacation—or staycation!

Avoid a hairy situation. After a day at the beach, my nicely straightened hair usually expands in size—hello, frizz!—until I’m virtually unrecognizable to my friends. If you’re like me and the sun/sand/salt water mixture leaves your hair in a knot, a hair moisturizer is the only option. I’ll be packing Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil to keep my hair hydrated (and fuzz at bay), repair damage and shield my strands from UV rays.

Get your bronze on. Fake a believable getaway glow with this shimmery little gem:  Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion lends sun-kissed radiance while keeping my face moisturized. It’s not full-on bronze, so it works on winter-pale skin.

Get eye-catching color. For a pop of color on top of my newly glowing skin, I’ll be packing  Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm. This magic crayon gives an effortless, fun vacation look while also keeping lips soft with mango and shea butters.

Avoid runoff. This trip, I won’t let annoying raccoon eyes put a damper on my ocean dips. I’ll be sticking with super-volumizing Yves Saint Laurent Everlong Waterproof Mascara to prevent the runoff. Bon voyage!

—By Lindsay Richardson, Beauty Intern